The Ancients

While a small, uninhabited island today, Keros held significant importance during the Bronze Age. As a crucial centre for cultural practices, trade, and unique rituals nearly 5,000 years ago, it's difficult to imagine that such a tiny, wild space was once a bustling hub of civilisation. So how was this mystical past discovered - and more importantly, by who? In this episode, Tristan welcomes histo...

Despite being uncovered in the 16th Century - new finds are still being discovered daily in Pompeii. With each new discovery offering a fresh insight into what life was like 2000 years ago, we're able to piece together Pompeii's vibrant past and culture thanks to the work of Archaeologists and historians today. But what would life Pompeii actually have been like for the individuals who lived there...

Gold and horses! Few ancient civilisations were greater masters of metalworking and horse riding than the Saka culture of Central Asia. Also known as the ‘Eastern Scythians’, these peoples ruled over a large area of the Great Steppe more than 2,000 years ago. And recently, new archaeological initiatives in Kazakhstan have started to reveal so much more about these horse lords and their way of life...

This episode contains references to death and sexual assault. Persephone is Queen of the Underworld in Ancient Greek mythology.  Wife of Hades, and daughter of Zeus and Demeter, Persephone's journey to the underworld at the hands of Hades is a cornerstone myth. It gives an insight into how the Ancient Greeks saw not only death, but also the changing seasons and marriage. In this episode, Tris...

Inhabiting the Balkans in antiquity, the Illyrians played a vital role in Ancient History. From their renowned reputation as skilled craftsmen, through to their seafaring ways - the Illyrians left their mark on the archaeological record. But what do we actually know about the Illyrians, and were they actually traders - or did they have a more sinister reputation on the high seas? In this episode T...

Throughout history, the area today known as Gaza has often been a contentious site. Its historical significance is a history that spans nearly 3 millennia, and archaeological evidence shows us that it was an international hub frequented by the Egyptians, Mycenaeans, Hittites and more. In this episode, Tristan welcomes Professor Louise Steel to the podcast to talk both about about her team's excava...

Homo longi, also known as Dragon Man, is an extinct archaic human species - with a nearly complete skull found near Harbin, China, dating back to at least 146,000 years ago. Discovered in 1933 during the construction of the Dongjiang Bridge, it remained hidden until 2018 due to wartime circumstances and tensions. But why was the discovery of a single skull so important? And what does it tell us ab...

From seductive sorceresses to withered necromancers, witches play a varied - and vital - role in ancient history. Recorded in classical epics by the likes of Homer, and immortalised in tragedies by Euripides, the names Circe and Medea resonate across society and culture even today. But how did witchcraft and magic aid them in ancient societies, and what does it tell us about how women of powe...

Stretching across from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, Northern Africa is dominated by the Sahara Desert. The largest hot desert in the world, it's an indomitable force. So how did Ancient Communities manage to traverse it, and who were the people organising and participating in such a feat? In this episode, Tristan welcomes Sir Barry Cunliffe to the podcast, to talk about his new work on the h...

This episode contains strong language, and references to sexual assault. Alexander the Great - conqueror, legend, murderer . After ascending to the throne at aged 20 in 336BCE, his rule started with mass executions and political assassinations - themes that would follow throughout his tumultuous reign. But why was Alexander's reign so bloody, and what does it tell us about Hellenistic society at t...

When you think of the 'Ice Age', tales of saber-toothed predators and hulking megafauna probably come to mind - but what else do we know about prehistoric culture that lived 25,000 years ago, and how did they live? From hunting Woolly Mammoths, to thriving in freezing temperatures - what did it take to survive the Ice Age? In this episode Tristan welcomes author Cody Cassidy to the podcast to look...

This episode contains references to death and sexual assault. Hades is King of the the dead and the Underworld in Ancient Greek mythology.  Dive into the shadowy underworld with host Tristan Hughes and guest Prof Sarah Iles Johnson of Ohio State University. Together, they unearth Hades' origin, define the enigmatic underworld, and what it reveals about Ancient Greek perceptions of life and be...

Ötzi, otherwise known as the Iceman, is a renowned glacial mummy uncovered in 1991 in the Tyrolean Alps between Italy and Austria. Found by mountain hikers at 3,200 meters above sea level, his discovery was due to melting ice sheets and marked a significant archaeological breakthrough. In this episode, host Tristan Hughes delves deep into the world of Glacial Archaeology with expert Lars Pilø, Edi...

One of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, Tyre was a jewel of the Ancient World. A Phoenician metropolis, and the birth place of numerous legendary figures - the city provides an invaluable insight into what life was like millennia ago. But what do we really know about the people who inhabited Tyre, and just why did the city play such a pivotal role across ancient history? In this episode,...

When you think of Gladiators you tend to think of Roman Amphitheatres, Hollywood films, and probably not Colchester in the UK. But thanks to the discovery of the Colchester Vase, evidence suggests that Gladiators might have fought in an arena in Roman Colchester. From animal hunts, to violent fights to the death - this artefact paints a vivid picture of what Roman life might have been like. But ho...

Part 2/2. Of unknown authorship, the Dead Sea Scrolls - also known as the Qumran Scrolls - are some of the most important ancient documents ever discovered. Found by a young boy in a cave by the Dead Sea, the scrolls offer invaluable insight into what life was like in Qumran and the surrounding areas 2 millennia ago. But who, if anyone, actually lived there, and what does John the Baptist have to...

When examining the role of the Emperor within the Roman Empire, it is often easier to focus on the individual rather than the role itself. With contrasting personalities such as Marcus Aurelius and Caligula occupying the position, it becomes challenging to identify commonalities among Roman emperors. But when you examine the role itself and the responsibilities involved - it might be easier to fin...

Part 1/2. Potentially one of the most important archaeological discoveries ever, the Dead Sea Scrolls - also known as the Qumran Scrolls - are a set of Jewish Manuscripts from nearly 2000 years ago. Found in a cave at the edge of the Dead Sea, the scrolls offer value insight into what life was like nearly two millennia ago - but what exactly are these scrolls - and do they tell us anything about a...

One of the greatest Pharaohs from Ancient Egypt, Ramesses II is renowned for commissioning some of the most iconic architecture and art from ancient Egypt. But not only was he a great builder and commissioner, he's responsible for the first recorded peace treaty in history, the first recorded diplomatic marriage in history, and a number of monumental victories. So who was Ramesses II - and why is...

The Harappan civilisation, also known as the Indus Valley civilisation, was an ancient urban civilisation that thrived in the Indus River valley in South Asia around 4000 years ago. Known for its well-planned cities, advanced drainage systems, and incredible culture - it played an integral role in ancient History. But with a script that still remains undeciphered to this day - what do we actually...

When you picture ancient Roman Soldiers, an image of battle-hardened warriors equipped with iron breastplates, large rectangular shields and mighty helmets will no doubt come to mind. Immortalised in cinematic classics like 'Gladiator' or HBO Period Dramas - the depictions of Roman legionaries tend to all look the same on the surface. But how accurate is this bloodthirsty, armour clad vision - and...

Where do you begin to understand the origins of Chinese civilization? Located near the Yangtze River, the treasures of the Liangzhu culture can be found, a civilisation that dates back to the Neolithic. Today, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Yijie Zhuang from University College London to unearth the fascinating finds and archaeology that help us piece together the story of this important culture....

This episode contains references to sexual assault. Medusa stands as one of the most iconic yet misconstrued figures of Greek mythology. Recognised as one of the three Gorgons, she is notoriously portrayed with serpentine hair and petrifying eyes that turn onlookers to stone. Her life is famously ended by Perseus, the demigod son of Zeus. Popular culture often reduces her to a monstrous caricature...

When you think of inventions that helped change the course of history, it's doubtful Olive Oil makes the list. Originating thousands of years ago in the Mediterranean or further east - it's now probably in your kitchen cupboards, or donning the shelves of supermarkets. But how did Olive Oil come to be, and how did the processes behind making it help advance numerous civilisations? In this episode...

This episode contains references to scenes that some listeners may find distressing In 79 AD, ancient armageddon hit Pompeii: Mount Vesuvius erupted, freezing in time a town and its inhabitants. Nearly 2000 years on, Pompeii's story continues. In the last episode of our special mini series, we're exploring the stages of the eruption, how the town was buried, and how it was eventually found nearly...